From Chicken Chat to Chicken-Smart!

Watch the video: Chicken Chat (November 13, 2025)

During her work week at Covenant Village, Wanda Flowers is highly focused on helping residents improve their physical health. As Director of Covenant’s ARISE Wellness, Wanda is often seen in the gym, exercise room, and around the pool, encouraging residents.

“One thing I love most about my job is getting to know the residents personally and working with them on their wellness journey. I enjoy learning from them, hearing their stories, and just laughing together,” Wanda explained.

Away from work, Wanda is equally focused on her main hobby: raising chickens. On Thursday afternoon, November 13, a standing-room-only crowd of residents in the Assembly Room learned more about Wanda’s dedication to her chickens—an interest that became her passion two years ago.

From the vegetables and fruits she grows and prepares to ensure a healthy diet for her chickens, to the remarkably functional coop and nesting box built by her husband to meet their physical needs, Wanda is committed at home to caring for her chickens, each of whom she calls by name.

During her “Chicken Chat” presentation, Wanda shared videos and photos, along with entertaining stories, including the time she had to watch YouTube videos to learn how to trim a chicken’s beak and the research she did to find a veterinarian willing to treat one of her chickens.

Along with fun facts about chickens, highlights of the event included resident Stephanie Parent leading the group in the chicken dance and Mary Layton’s generosity in providing chicken headbands.

Residents agreed they learned more about chickens and about Wanda during the program. One said, “I knew the program would be great; Wanda is awesome.” Another resident added, “Wanda does so much to encourage and support residents, and I am grateful for her genuine love and concern for us.”

Wanda’s presentation is part of a series of Employee Spotlight events that will be held during the annual resident-led campaign to raise funds for the Workforce Investment/Staff Bonus, formerly called the Employee Appreciation Fund.

When asked what the residents’ initiative means to her, Wanda said, “I think it is wonderful that the residents give to this fund for the employees. It gives me a feeling of gratitude and love from the residents. Each year, I use this money to buy all I need for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals with family. I save the rest for a rainy day. I am so appreciative of the thoughtful giving from the residents.”

The annual appreciation opportunity is open to anyone who wants to contribute. If you have already made your donation to this year’s resident-led fund supporting Wanda and other Covenant Village staff who deliver excellent resident care, thank you! If not, we hope you will deliver or mail your tax-deductible donation to the Covenant Village business office or make your gift online (https://covenantvillagenc.com/giving/#giving-form). Donations to this year’s Workforce Investment/Staff Bonus fund are accepted through December 4.